Researchers at the Trofimuk Institute of Oil and Gas Geology and Geophysics, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, have developed a new method for monitoring permafrost. According to Nauka v Sibiri (Science in Siberia), the branch’s publication, this approach will enable faster response to soil changes and help reduce the risk of infrastructure damage.

Traditionally, permafrost monitoring involves drilling boreholes and placing temperature sensors inside them, which is a time-consuming process.

The new pulse-based monitoring method allows scientists to observe permafrost conditions in real time. One borehole contains a set of transmitters, while another nearby holds receivers. Short electromagnetic pulses scan the space between the boreholes, and the data can be quickly converted into clear visual graphs and transmitted remotely to monitoring centers for analysis.

“Pulse signals make it possible to quickly and efficiently assess the condition of frozen layers, opening up broad prospects for construction and resource extraction in extremely cold regions,” said Igor Mikhailov, Ph.D. (Technology), senior research associate with the Institute of Oil and Gas Geology and Geophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.